Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364902 Unique Reference Number 15 July 2008 Inspection date Teresa Marie Taylor Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two school-aged children in Cubbington, near Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. The lounge and first floor bathroom of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for two children under five. The childminder walks or drives to and from local parent/toddler groups and schools. The family has two dogs, two cats, a parrot, rabbits and guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder can support children with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has routines in place to ensure children's general good health and discusses being healthy with the children. This enables them to understand why they should follow good

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 hygiene practices. However the childminder, her family and minded children all share a hand towel and this leaves children open to the possibility of cross infection. The childminder has a complete first aid kit for both the house and another to take on outings. She holds a current first aid certificate which ensures she is able to respond appropriately to any accidents children may have either at home or when on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to use the garden at every opportunity for physical play. The childminder ensures the garden is secure and clean so that children are safe. Children are encouraged to walk each day providing them with physical activities even when the garden is not available due to the weather. There are clear arrangements in place for the care of animals and children have supervised access to them.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides snacks and drinks for the children and parents provide main meals. Agreements with parents for the provision of meals, all allergies and food preferences are recorded ensuring children are provided with appropriate and nutritious meals that meet their individual needs. Drinks are always freely available and appropriate drinks containers are provided. The children are involved in growing, and eating, fruit and vegetables. This is giving them a good understanding of healthy eating and also knowledge about were food comes from.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures her home is safe and welcoming and that children are provided with sufficient space to explore and play. They are encouraged to use all of the toys and equipment which are checked regularly to make sure that there is no damage and that children are safe using them. Safety issues are discussed with the children ensuring they understand why there are basic rules in place regarding play and the reasons for tidying up.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are well organised and appropriate storage ensures children can access all the toys and equipment safely. Outdoor play is always supervised to ensure children's safety. However, children under six have been using the trampoline and this contravenes the manufacturers guidelines. The pond is suitably protected ensuring children could not fall in. Children's understanding of general safety is promoted as the childminder discusses how to stay safe, for example at home, no running in the house in case you fall over any toys, and when outdoors, road safety and stranger danger. Children understand about fire safety as there are clear exit plans and they regularly practise the fire drill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children do not answer the front door at any time and the reasons are discussed with them. This ensures they remain safe from strangers. Child protection information is shared with parents and the childminder is clear on recording concerns and sharing them with parents. The childminder has a child protection policy which provides clear information on her responsibilities and the route she would take if she had any concerns. Children are protected on outings as the childminder ensures the setting visited is safe and parent's contact details are always taken as well as a first aid kit. This ensures accidents would be appropriately managed and parents could be contacted without delay.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a wide range of both indoor and outdoor activities to choose from and are free to choose their own activities. This enables children to make decisions, develop

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 their self-esteem and learn to share and cooperate. The childminder also provides planned activities to encourage the children to try new activities and broaden their experiences. Their independence is actively encouraged and their decisions valued. Children can safely access all of the available toys and equipment as there is appropriate storage. The reasons for tidying up are explained to the children so that they understand about preventing domestic accidents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

To extend children's social skills and knowledge base they are taken on many outings. All settings are checked for safety and expectations of behaviour are discussed. This enables children to understand the reasons for rules when out and increases their understanding of personal safety. The childminder has obtained written consent from parents for transport and outings. She shares her plans with parents ensuring they are aware of their children's location at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder regularly praises children and encourages them to question and explore. This encourages the children to settle quickly. Children are learning about the natural world as they grow their own fruit and vegetables in the garden. Children are also taken to parent and toddler groups and the local childminders' drop-in group. This provides children with opportunities to extend their social skills and interact with other children of the same age. Their emotional wellbeing is fostered appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and has a good understanding of how to stimulate and encourage them so they get the best they can from their time with her. She has a good understanding of equal opportunities and ensures that all children and families are treated with equal concern and respect. Children have access to a wide range of toys, equipment and planned activities to support equal opportunities thereby increasing their opportunities to discuss and develop their understanding of the wider world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is improving because the childminder provides clear and consistent management whereby the children know what is expected of them. They are encouraged to share, display good manners and take responsibility for their actions. The house rules are displayed and they are discussed regularly. This enables the children to understand why basic rules are needed and, to develop appropriate strategies for playing together and develop responsibility for their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good relationships with parents which contribute significantly to children's wellbeing. The childminder ensures that all information on children is readily available to parents and is kept up-to-date. There is an extensive portfolio of policies and information available for parents ensuring they are fully aware of all aspects of the care provided for their children. All required consents are in place and parents are informed of how to make a complaint should they wish to do so. The childminder provides parents with the opportunity to attend parent evenings and completes daily diaries for all children. This ensures parents are fully informed of their child's day and gives them the opportunity to see what their children do and to comment on how they feel about their child's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are protected because there are appropriate clearances in place for both adults in the household and the childminder ensures that all visitors are supervised and do not have access to the children. Children have the use of all of the lounge/dining room and garden and are encouraged to make good use of the space, spread out activities and respect each other's personal space.

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Organisation

Children are happy and settled in this child-centred and calm environment. Toys and equipment are easily available to them both indoors and in the garden and they are encouraged to make their own decisions regarding play. Their independence is actively encouraged allowing them to develop self-esteem and ownership of their actions. The childminder continues to undertake training to improve her knowledge and provide greater opportunities for children. She has undertaken initial training in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and uses this to inform her planning.

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Organisation

The childminder's documentation is all up-to-date, well organised and kept confidentially. Parents are provided with a detailed daily discussion on how their child's day has been and all agreements with parents are recorded and acted upon. There is an extensive portfolio of policies and information for parents, with essential information, including how to make a complaint, clearly displayed. This provides consistency for the children and reassurance for the parents. The provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the national Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure good hygiene practices are in place to prevent the spread of infection with specific reference to sharing towels

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • ensure manufacturers' recommendations regarding the use of outdoor play equipment are adhered to

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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